WE SEE IT EVERY DAY

 

THE FLAG -- WHAT LESSON CAN WE LEARN?


There is a flagpole that I can see when I look out the front door of the Rodenberger Funeral Home where I work. I enjoy watching the flag. I think not only of the beauty but also what the flag means to me as a citizen. A few weeks ago when the flag was at half staff, in respect for President Gerald Ford, it was a beautiful sight. The flood lights that shine on the flag seemed to be directed so that the best illumination is at the half staff position. As the wind blew, the flag seemed to reach out as far to the east as it possibly could. The rippling effect brought to mind the amber waves of grain. As moving as it was, I was still looking for a lesson that I could learn from the flag.

Last night that lesson came to me. The wind was blowing and the flag was wide open, again extending as far as it could to the east. Then there would be a lull and the flag would begin to fold together. As this occurred, I discovered the lesson that I can learn from the flag. When the weather is bad, I always look at the flag whenever I see one. I need to look at that flag to see which way the wind is blowing and how strong the gusts seem to be. When the flag is hanging in a limp position, it is the same flag, representing the same nation, yet I usually ignore it.

Isn’t that just the way so many people react to God? When things are going wrong, people look to God to see which way the winds of a troubled world or soul are blowing. When things are going well, God is so often ignored. May the flag teach you, as you look at it, that God has said, “Lo, I am with you always.”

If you want a beautiful reminder of the ever present God, I would suggest a Gaither song “GOD OF THE MOUNTAIN."  The version recorded by the beautiful voice of Lynda Randle can be found on some Gaither Homecoming Videos including one featuring Ms. Randle.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

 

03/05/07

 

 

THE FLAG -- THE CHRISTIAN FLAG


My thoughts yesterday concerning the flag have triggered other thoughts about the Flag of our nation and the Christian Flag.


The first thought is related to the Church and the flags. Throughout my life, the United States and Christian Flags have had their place of honor inside the Church. Slowly but surely, in many church buildings, the flags have been removed from the altar area and in many cases from the entire building. I have never understood the reasons given for the removal of the Flags. I often wonder if the people who advocate removing the nation’s flag are the same ones who scream the loudest when religious quotes and symbols are removed from government facilities.


The second thought is related to flags that fly in front of businesses and private homes. As I drive around, I see the Stars and Stripes proudly high at the top of the flagpole. Many times just below will be the State Flag or the Flag of a favorite University or Professional Athletic Team. I can’t remember ever seeing a Christian Flag anywhere other than a church or church related organization. I wonder why?


GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

 

A COMMENT RECEIVED:

 

Somewhere in my life I was taught rules of the chancel and sanctuary. Now everyone seems to do as they please. J. K.
 

03/06/07